(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Luis Suarez Fires Inter Miami Past Tigres to Reach Leagues Cup Semi-Finals
MIAMI: Luis Suarez scored twice from the penalty spot to lead Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Tigres UANL on Wednesday, sending his side into the Leagues Cup semi-finals despite the absence of Lionel Messi.
Messi, recovering from a minor muscle injury, was ruled out of the quarter-final clash. Inter assistant coach Javier Morales confirmed the team did not want to take risks with his fitness.
Match Highlights
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Miami took the lead in the 20th minute when Javier Aquino was penalized for handball, allowing Suarez to convert from the spot.
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Tigres equalized in the 67th minute through Angel Correa, who slipped past two defenders to score.
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In the 87th minute, Aquino conceded another handball confirmed by VAR, and Suarez stepped up again to seal the win for Miami.
The match was tense, with heated exchanges between players and Miami coach Javier Mascherano sent off at halftime for protests. From the stands, he watched his side fight back late to secure victory.
What’s Next
Inter Miami will now face Orlando City in the semi-finals. Orlando advanced after a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout win over Liga MX champions Toluca, with goalkeeper Pedro Gallese saving two spot-kicks and scoring the decisive penalty.
Beyond the trophy, the tournament carries added importance. Both finalists and the third-place winner will qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with the Leagues Cup champion earning direct entry into the round of 16.
